Automatic mechanism for straightening railroad-rails



8 N I T S U G J A AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, 650'.

No. 358,810. Patented Mar. 1, 18187.

DIAGRAM N uns, Pnowumo n mr, Washington, ac.

i (No Model.) A I s Sheets-Sheet 2.

A. J. GUSTIN. AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR STB-AIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, &c. N0. 358.810.

Patented Mar. 1, 1887.

I IIHIIIIW/ I B I I e X) P k 3 t e e S S u e 9 h S 8 N Tl ml vS U G J A (No Model.)

AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, 7&0.

Patented Mar. 1, 1887.

' (Nu Model.) s Sheets-Sheet 4.

A J. GUSTIN.

AUTOMATIC MEGHANISM FOR STBAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, 8:0. N0. 358,810. Patented Mall. 1,1887.

'. I "II/71w Q N "llllllllllllllllllllliiwfll N4 PETERS, PhnlnJ-ilhographor. Washinglon. n1;

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 5.

A. J. GUSTIN.

AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, &c. No. 358,810. Pa.tented Mar. 1,188'7.

u. PETERS. PhMO-Lillmgmplmr. Washinglon. I). c.

(No, Model.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 6.

A. J. GUSTIN. AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FORSTRAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, &c.

Patented M a r. 1, 1887.

n 4 A k #0 m m M w 4 I I g 8 SheetsSheet 7.

(N0 Mom-31.)"

A. J. GUSTIN.

AUTOMATIG MEOHANISMIOR STB-AIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, 650.

No. 358,810. Patented Mar. 1, 1887.

N. PETERS, Pholo-Lilhugraphen Walhingi m, 0. C4

(No Model.) 8 SheetsSheet 8.

l A. J. GUSTIN.

AUTOMATIC MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHTENING RAILROAD RAILS, 850.

No. 358,810. P tented Mar. 1, 1887.

N4 PETERS, Phato-Lillwgnphar. Wzshinglom ac.

llwrrnn States ANDRE? JACKSON GUSTIN,

PATENT t tties...

OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

AUTOMATlC MECHANISM FOR STRAIGHTENING RAlLROAD-HAILS, dc.

SPECIFICATION forming part; of Letters Patent No. 358,810, dated lviarch 1, 1887.

Application filed April 2, 1886.

To aZZ whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ANDREW J AOKSON G-Us TIN, of Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts. have invented certain Improvements in Automatic Mechanism for Straightening Railroad-Rails and other Bars, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention relates to automatic rail-straightening machines of the type originated by myself, and represented in application for Letters Patent of the United States filed August 4, 1883, No. 102,842, renewed February 15, 1885, No. 155,830; and in application filed October 14, 1882, No. 74,228, renewed July 29, 1885, No. 148,224, to which applications reference may be made for a fuller explanation of the principles upon which the invention is based, and of those details which are not set forth in the following specification.

In machines of my type the rail is passed endwise through the same,and while supported by anvils is acted upon at points between the anvils by reciprocating plungers or pressure devices. These plungers stand normally at rest out of contact with the passing rail. Behind each plunger there is a constantly-reciprocating head which, under the normal condition of the parts, fails to act upon the plunger. inner end with an adjustable or extensible portion, by which it may be elongated at will, so as to act upon the plunger, whereby theplunger is caused to move inward beyond its normal position and act upon the rail.

For the purpose of elongating the heads to cause their action upon the plungers, as above stated, I employ an automatic mechanism controlled by electric devices, the electric circuits being in turn controlled by contact devices which are acted upon by the bent or irregular portions of the passing rail. The arrangement is such that while a straight portion of the rail is passing the plungcrs the circuit remains open and the plungers remain at rest,

the heads being in their shortened condition, so that they fail to reach the plungers. \Vhen, however, a bent or irregular portion of the rail approaches the plunger it acts to close the electric circuit controlling the extension devices of the appropriate head,whereupon the head is instantly elongated, so as to impart motion to the plunger, which conse- Each head is provided, however, at its Serial No. 197,580. (No model.)

quently acts upon the rail to straighten the same. The straightening of the rail causes the circuit to be broken, whereupon the parts resume their original position.

The aims of the present invention are to simplify the machine and to render its action certain under all conditions encountered in practice; and to this end it relates to improvments in the extensible portion of the heads; to improved mechanism for effecting the adjustment of said extensible portion mechanically and positively; to an improved arrangement of the circuits for controlling said mechanism; to automatic devices for cutting out those circuits which are not for the ti me being required, and to improved contact devices.

1n the accompanying drawings, Figure l is an outline elevation of a machine having four plungers or pressure devices to act upon the rail from different sides, as in my previous machines, the several improvements forming the basis of the present invention being incorporated therein. Fig. 2 is a horizontal section through one side of the machine on the line 1 l of Fig. 1, showing the rail-supporting anvils, one of the pressureplungers, its operatinghead, and the attendant parts. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the devices for effecting the automatic lengthening and shortening of one of the pressure-heads, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the-line 2 2 of Fig. 3. Fi 5 is an elevation of a modified form of the mechanism for elongating and shortening the pressure-head. Fig. 5 is a cross-section on the line :0 00", Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a view of said mechanism in still another form. Fig. 7 is a view looking in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 6, and a portion of the devices therein shown. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a machine embodying my improvements, differing in form from that shown in Fig. 1, having two pressure-plungers instead of four. Fig. 9 is a section on the line 4 4 of the preceding figure. Fig. 10 is a section on the line 5 5 of Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 11 is a top plan View of a bar or frame, commonly denominated a detectorbar, provided with a series of contact devices for opening and closing electric circuits. Fig. 12 is a section on the line 6 6 of the preceding figure. Fig. 13 is a cross-section on the line 7 7 of Figs. 11 and 12. Fig. 14 is an end View of the parts shown in the three preceding figures. Fig. 15 is an elevation, partly in section, of another form of the detector-bar with the contact devices. Fig. 16 is a view showing one of the anvils or railsupports with the adjacent plunger and a contact-linger, and connections for maintaining the circuit through the plunger at the time the latter is holding the rail away from the contacttinger. Fig. 17 is an elevation showing the manner in which the rail acts through the anvils on opposite sides of the pressure device to close the circuit, so that the mechanism may act only when the rail bears upon both anvils. Fig. lb is a crosssection illustrating a plunger with a yielding face at its operative end.

Referring to Fig. l, A represents the rigid main frame, having" a central opening or passage, B, through which the rail may be carried horizontally in an end wise direction. At or near each side of the machine there are four anvils or rail-supports, 0, made preferably in the form of rollers, to act upon the four sides of the rail and guide the same accurately in its passage through the machine. The two sets of amils located at opposite sides of the machine give firm support to the rail at two points distant from each other while it is being acted upon by the pressure devices at the middle.

D D represent the four reciprocating plungers, located opposite the respective sides of the rail-passage, their inner operative ends being presented toward the rail.

E E represent the reciprocating heads or slides, which move constantly to and fro adjacent to the outer ends of the adjacent plungers, and each provided at the inner end with the adjustable or extensible portion F, by which it is elongated, so as to act momentarily on the plunger. it is to be understood that although the heads E are constantly in motion they act upon the plungcrs D only when the portions F are extended, which occurs with only one head at a time. The heads E E are operated by eccentrics or cranks G, mounted on shafts H H H H", connected by mitergears 1, whereby the several heads E are operated in equal times and in regular succession. The shaft H receives motion through a gear, J, on its end from a driving-pinion," K, and it transmits motion in turn through a pin ion, L, to 'a shaft, M*, which carries the devices for effecting the elongation of the press tire-heads, as hereinafter explained.

The foregoing parts, with the exception of the shaft M*, are essentially the same as those represented in my former application.

Referring now to the first improvementt-he method of connecting the adjustable face F to the reciprocating pressure-heads E-attention is directed to Fig. 2. Each face F is formed with spirally inclined surfaces a, which bear against corresponding surfaces on the head E,

V so that when the face receives a rotary momachine. For the purpose of maintaining the contact between the surfaces at, I screw into each head E a tubular bolt, b, which extends centrally through the face F and loosely into the end of the adjacent plunger D. A pin, 0, passes through the face F and through a slot in the bolt 1), compelling the latter to partake of the rotation of the face. A spiral spring, d, seated in acavity in the bolt b, bears at one end against the bottom of said cavity and at the opposite end against the pin 0, its pressure on the pin causing the latter to hold the surfaces a on the face F snugly against the corresponding surfaces of the head E. The thread of the bolt 1) may have a pitch or lift corresponding with that of the surface a, or a different pitch, as preferred, its principal object being to hold the bolt in connection with the head while allowing it to turn therein. If the pitch of the screw differs from that of the camsurfaces, the yielding of the spring will permit the face F to move endwise on the body of the bolt. The spring is used simply for the purpose of maintaining a close contact between the working-surfaces and of preventing that jar and rattle which would otherwise result in the event of the surfaces becoming slightly worn.

Passing now to the second feature of the inventionthe means for rotating the faces F to effect their extension in order that they may act on the headsI would premise by saying that the present arrangement differs from that in my former application principallyin the fact that I now use in connection with the electric controlling devicesintermediate mechanisms which are positive in their action, whereas the former machine made use of de vices operated by fluidpressure.

The present invention consists, to speak in general terms, in substituting for the hydrautic mechanism mechanism which is purely mechanical, or by which the several parts transmit motion mechanically and positively from one to another. This positively-acting mechanism may be constructed in various forms without departing from the limit of my invention, and l have therefore illustrated in the accompanying drawings four of the preferred forms.

The first of these arrangements is represented in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4. The rotary faceF is encircled by an operating-pinion, L,secured rigidly thereto, as in the previous machine, but is now connected with and operated by a vibrating sector-rack, M, pivoted to the main frame and connected by an operating-rod, N, to a crank-pin on a gear-wheel, O, which receives motion at proper times, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4., from a gear-wheel, P, mounted on theconstantly-revolving shaft M*, before referred to. This wheel is connected with the shaft through the medium of friction plates or washers 6, bearing against its sides and confined in place by collarsf on the shaft. These parts, which may be modified at will, form a friction device by which the wheel is IO projecting tooth, t

shown, to bear against the face of the disk Q the gear.

urged constantly forward, but permitted to remain normally at rest when engaged by stop devices, which will be presently described.

To the side of the wheel P, around a hub 5 thereon, are applied two'disks, Q and R, as

plainly shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The disk Q has on its periphery a series of ratchet-teeth, g. The disk Rofsmallerdiameter,hasasmooth circular periphery, with the except-ion of a The two disks are connected with each other and with the gearwhcel P by transverse bolts S, which pass through short slots k in the gear and through t longer slots Z in the disk Q, their inner ends shown in Fig. 4, this construction permitting the two disks to turn with reference to the wheel, and also to a limited extent-in relation to each other. The bolts are shouldered, as

7 and thus secure the two disks firmly to each other, while permitting them to be adjusted as may be required, leaving the disks, however, free to revolve together in relation to Spiral springs m extend from the bolts S to pins on the gear, and tend constantly to turn the disks forward in relation to the gear.

Rails differing in hardness or elasticity regc quire different degress of bending in order to elasticity, which are readily straightened, the

bolts S are slarkened and the disk Q turned forward in relation to the other and secured by tightening the bolts. The effect of this will be to lessen the distance to which the plunger 40 is advanced during its first movement. There are also other advantages unnecessary to enu mcrate in detail.

An elbow-lever, T, mounted on the frame is provided at one extremity with a lip, 12, to en 43 gage the tooth i, and thereby hold the two disks and the gear P at rest, the effect being, through the intermediate gear, 0, rod N, and sector-pinion M, to hold the face F of the press tire-head E in its shortened or retracted position, so that the pressureplunger will not act upon the rail. Thelever T is provided at its opposite end with a shoulder, o. \Vhen the lever is moved by the spring \V, hereinafter referred to, so as to disengage the SllOIllflBllt, the

5 friction devices cause the gear P and disks Q' and R to turn forward untll they are arrested in their movement by the shoulder 0 engaging one or another of the teeth 0 on the disk Q. This forward rotation of the parts operating co the gear 0 causes the intermediate parts to turn the face of the pressure head, advancing it in such manner that when the head moves forward the face will act upon the adjacent plunger 1) and force the same against the rail.

Cal

locking action is prevented by the gravitating core or detent 1) bearing between the upper end of the lever T and a stationary abutment, q, as shown in Fig. 3. This core is of magnetic material and is mounted freely and vertically within a helix or magnet,V, located in a circuit controlled as hereinafter described.

In order to restore the parts to their original position after they have advanced to extend the plungeroperating device, I mount loosely on the shaft M*, in any suitable manner, the internally-toothed gear-wheel WV, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4,which receives motion through an intermediate pinion, X, on the mai 11 frame from a pinion, Y, secured on the shaft M This arrangement imparts a constant backward rotation to the wheel 7, which revolves at a speed the same as that of shafts H H, &c., and much less than that of the shaft M*, as is necessary in order to have the gear I and the toothed disk revolve faster than the gear \V. The gear W carries near one edge a roller, 1*, which acts at the proper time against a stud or projection, s, on the lever T, to restore the latter to its original position after the disks have been released by the shoulder a and engaged by the shoul der 0. When the lever is thus restored to its original position, the shoulder 0 permits the disks and the gear P- to turn forward until they reach their original position. In so doing the revolution of the wheel 0 is completed and the face of the pressure-head restored to its original or shortened condition. It is true that in thus completing its rotation the wheel Ocarries the face of the pressure-head outward momentarily beyond its operative position; but the parts are so timed that this extension occurs during the time that the pressure-head is moved backward away from the plungeigso that it in no wise effects the proper operation of the machine. When thelever T releases the wheels, the circuit is closed by a finger, a, encountering the lever, through which the current passes to the main frame, with which the opposite terminal of the circuit is connected, so that the circuit is maintained for the time being in a closed position and the detent 1) held out of the path of the lever T until the latter is restored to its normal position by the action of the roller 7".

I have described the devices for controlling the action of a single pressure-plunger. It is to be understood that each plunger is connected with alike mechanism, and that thefour mechanisms may be mounted on the one shaft, M*,as represented in Fig. 1. The various circuits and the contact devices for controlling the same are alike for the different forms of adjusting mechanisms, and will therefore be described at a later period in this specification.

I will now describe a second mechanism, an

j equivalent to thatjust described, for effecting A spring, U, acting beneath the lever T tends Z the extension of the plungeroperating device to move the same and unlock the gear; but of the pressure-head, referring particularly to under the normal condition of affairs this un- Fig. 5. In this figure L represents the pinion before described, and M its operatingrack, which in this example is made of a straightinstead of a curved form. The rack is provided in its rear face with two series of ratchet-teeth, taud 1/, facing in opposite directions. Behind and parallel with the bar there is a bar, Z, connected by intermediate devices of any suitable character with a constantly-moving part of the machine, whereby said bar Z is caused to reciprocate constantly. Pivoted to the barZ there is a double-ended pawl, a, urged constantlytoward the teeth of the bar at one end by a spring, 1), and which acts, under ordinary circumstances, to carry the rack-bar to the extreme right,and thereby to place the pinion Lin such position as to re tract the face of the pressure-head.

The arm Z carries an electro-magnet, to, which acts when charged to attract an armature, 00, secured to the pawl a. This magnet is located in a circuit controlled by irregularities or crooked portions of the passing rail, and when the circuit is closed the magnet, overcoming the resistance of the spring 1), throws the pawl a into such position that it will carry the rackbar M to the left and thereby advance the face F of the pressure-head, so that the plunger will act upon the rail. This action of the pawl will continue, and the ad vance of the plunger will be gradually increased so long as the circuit remains closed; but the instant that it is broken the pawl will resume its original position, move the bar M to the right, and stop the action of the plunger. t

Passing now to the third form of the me chanical adjusting device, which closely resembles the one j ust described, attention is directed to Figs. 6 and 7. In this form the rackbar, the reciprocating bar, the doubleended pawl, and spring 1) are identical with those in Fig. 5; but different devices are used for throwing the pawl out of its normal position. These devices consist of an arm, y, secured-to the pawl and bearing between studs on a sleeve or tube, 2, which is carried upon and arranged to revolve to a limited extent around the end of the bar Z. In its under side this sleeve is provided with long and short slots a a,separated by a spring finger or switch, b,'closing against the inclined end of one of the slots,as shown in Fig. 6. Beneath the sleeve there is a stationary n1agnet,w, having a pivoted arma ture, 50, hearing in one end a pin, 0, to enter the short slot of the sleeve. A Spring, d, holds this pin normally out of engagement, so that the sleeve 2 is carried idly to and fro with the bar Z. \Vhen, however, the armature is charged through circuit-connections controlled by the rail, as before alluded to, the armature is attracted and the pin 0 caused to enter the short slot in the sleeve As the sleeve moves to the right with thebar Z, the pin,acting in the inclined or oblique portion of the slot, causes the sleeve to revolve, whereupon it operates the arm y and reverses the position of the pawl a, so that it will feed the rackbar M to the left, and thereby effect the elongation of the pressure-head and its action on the plunger. \Vhen acircuit is broken, the pin 0 is disengaged from the sleevez by the spring (1, whereupon the sleeve .2 is revolved by the spring 0 to its original position, adjusting the pawl a to a position shown in Fig. 6, so that it will move the bar M to the right.

It will be perceived that the three meehanisms above described operate on essentially the same plan and that each acts to effect the positive and definite advance of the plunger. In this regard they are superior to mechanism employing a fluid medium, which, in the event of leakage, is liable to cause variation in the action of the different plungers.

I will now describe another form of the mechanical adjusting devices illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, and 10 of the drawings. In these figures I have illustrated a machine having but two pressure-plungers facing each other to act 011 opposite sides of the bar or' rail, which requires to be revolved by the attendant during its passage through the machine, in order to subject its different sides to the plunger. In this form of the machine two pressure-plungers, D, slide in bearings ona constantly-reciprocating plate, A, actuated by means of a central eccentric, B, or otherwise. The two plungers stand on opposite sides of the rail passage, and normally in such position that, although carried constantly to and fro with the plate A, they do not encounter the rail. Behind each of the plungers there is mounted on the reciprocating plate a pressure device, F, in theform of an eccentric, the rotation ofwhich will advance theplunger to such an extent that when carried forward with the plate it will act upon the rail. Coiled springs 0, applied as shown, actto turn the eccentric backward, so that the plungers remain normally in their retracted position. \Vhcn, however, the plunger is to be called into action upon the rail,the eccentric is turned forward by means of a stationary pawl, G, pivoted to the main frame in position to engage ratchet-teeth f, formed on the top of the eccentric or a wheel secured thereto. This pawl is brought into actionby an armature secured thereto and arranged in the field of an electro-magnet, w, the circuit of which is controlled by means of the irregularities in the rail, as in the other forms of the apparatus. If the circuit be closed by the rail,the magnet holds the pawl C in such position that it will during the backward movement of the plate IIO A engage the teeth f and turn the eccentric forward, thereby advancing the plunger D, so that it will be carried against the rails. A second pawl, g, pivoted on the plate A, acts to hold the eccentric in the position to which it is adjusted. 1f the first action of the plunger is insufficient to straighten the rail,the circuit remains closed, and on the retreat of the plunger the pawl 0 turns the eccentric ahead to the extent of another tooth 1", thereby causing the plunger to advance farther than before, and so on repeatedly.

Thepawl g is thrown into action by a spring, 7t, mounted on a rotary plate, 2', held first. in one position and then in another by means of a spring, 7t, engaging alternately two notches in its periphery, as shown in Fig. 8. To throw the pawl g out of engagement at the proper time, in order that the eccentric may be re turned by the spring to its normal position, the disk 1 is provided with a stud, If to lift the pawl, and with a second stud, Z, designed to encounter the angular lip m. on the main pawl U. \Vhen the pawl C' is in action, the stud Z passes behind or within the lip m, and is unaffected thereby. \Nhen, however, the pawl G is thrown backward outof engagement with the eccentric, the end of its lip m is carried into the path ofthe stud Z, so that at the next advance of the parts the lip in, acting on the stud Z, turns the plate backward. causing the stud It to lift the secondary pawl out ofengagement. I have described in detail one of the plungers and its adjusting devices. It will be understood that the plunger and ad justing devices at the opposite end of the plate A are duplicatesof those just described.

Referring again to the anvils O, by which the rail is sustained and guided, I prefer to construct them, as represented in the drawings, in the form of rollers, freeto revolve upon their supporting-axes and arranged to present their periphery against the rail. I prefer to construct thesupports or bearings of these roller-anvils in such manner that the rollers may yield slightly under the presssu re of the rail, in order that they may be rendered ap-. plicable for controlling the circuits.

In Fig. 17 I have shown the anvils mounted on pivot-pins supported on rubber blocks p, which permit them to sink under the pressure of the rail.

In Fig. 8 I have shown theanvils carriedin opposite ends of a detector bar, D, sustained at its two ends by spiralsprings E, so that they may descend under the pressure of the rail. Heavy screws F, mounted directly in the main frame beneath the anvils, serve to limit the descent of the an vil-rollers and to support them firmly during the action of the pressure-plum gers upon the rail.

In place of the above constructions any other equivalent construction which will permit a slight yielding movement of the anvils may be adopted.

Referring. now, to the arrangement of the circuits and their controlling devices for regulating theniechanism which elongates the pin ngers, attention is directed more particularly to Figs. 1, 2, and 17. It will be remembered that the pressure-head for operating each plunger is connected with its own elongating mechanism, and that each of these mechanisms is controlled by its individual magnet V, as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4c, 5, and 6. Each plunger stands normally at a slight distance from the rail, so

that the straight portions of the rail pass the plunger without contact therewith. \tVhenever the passing rail presents a portion which is bent toward a plunger, said portion acts against the plunger and forces the latter backward. By-suitablc connections the plunger is caused to close the circuit controlling the magnet, which throws its operating-head into action, and thus the plunger is made available for bringing into play the devices by which it is advanced beyond its normal position against the rail. In one form of the apparatus the plungers actuate the circuit controlling devices. In another form of the machine the plungcrs themselves constitute a portion ofthe circuits.

Referring to the first arrangement, attention is called to Figs. 1 and 2, in which it will be seen that a rod, q, attached to the plunger is encircled by a spiral spring, r, which tends to urge the plunger forward and keep its end, or a roller thereon, in contact with the rail. Adjacent to the plunger there is a conductingtinger, s, pivoted on one end of a spring, 15 fixed on the main frame and in electrical connection therewith. At one end this conducting-finger bears against a proiectioii on the plunger, by means of which and an adjustingscrew or similar stop, o, it is held normally in the position represented. At its opposite end the finger is located between two conductors, to and 00, forming portions of circuits insulated from the main frame and leading to the magnets V, which control opposing plungers, as plainly represented in Fig. 1. WVhenever the plunger is moved backward by an irregularity in the rail, it moves the conducting-finger s in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2, causing it to close the circuit through the main frame and the conductor m to the appropriate magnet V,whereby suitable mechanisms are called into action, as before eX- plained, to cause the advance of the plunger and its action upon the rail.

If the rail is straightened bythe firstaction of the plunger, the latter is permitted to resume itsoriginal position, allowing the finger s to open the circuit and the plunger-operating devices to assume their normal positions, while the plunger remains at rest. This return of the operating devices and plunger to their normal position is effected, as before we plained, by the opening of the circuit and the consequent dropping of the detent p behind the lever T, which acts through the intermediate parts to arrest the plunger-operating head in its retracted position. If, on the contrary, the rail remains crooked after the first action of the plunger, it continues to hold the latter backward and to keep the circuit closed through the finger s. so that thesecoud action of the plunger upon the rail will follow, its operating devices causing it to advance at the second stroke farther than at the first,in a manner heretofore explained. If a passing bend in the rail be from instead of toward the plunger, (shown in Fig. 2,) it will permit the latter to advance, under the action of the spring 1", beyond its normal position, out of contact with its conductingfinger s", where upon the spring 1/ connected to said finger will throw the same into contact with the conductor w, and thus close the circuit through the magnet, which causes tlte action of the plunger at the opposite side of the machine.

From the foregoing it will be understood that the devices shown in Fig. 2 and operated by one plunger serve to control the action of the two opposing plungers. By this arrangement the necessity of having separate circuitclosing devices for each plunger is avoided.

' It will be understood that, as shown in Fig. 1,

there are two circuit-closing mechanisms, one for each pair of plungers.

Were no provision made to the contrary, the advance of each plunger during its action on the rail would permit the circuit-closing devices 8 to close the circuit controlling the opposite plunger, the result of which would be the advance of both plungers. To avoid difficulty in this regard I provide automatic devices by which the circuit of one plunger is opened autoi'na-tically whenever the circuit controlling the opposite plunger is closed. The means to this end, as clearly represented in Figs. 1 and 2. consist simply of conductingfingers a and I)" introduced into the magnetcontrolling circuit and arranged to co-operate with a conducting-plate, 0", applied to the sector-rack M, by which the plunger-operating devices are controlled. ure-head is retracted, the plate c completes the circuit through the fingers, as shown in Fig. 2. When, however, therack is advanced to elongate the pressure head, the plate 0 is carried out of contact with one of the conducting-fingers, and thus the circuit is automatically opened. Circuit-opening mechanism of this character is used in connection with the rack for elongating each of the press tire-heads, as plainly shown in Fig. l.

Thea-dvance of the rail through the machine is secured, as in my previous machine, by a power-driven roll or rolls, upon which it bears. Separate rolls may be provided for this pur pose; but I prefer, as shown in Fig. 1, to employ as a feed-roll one of the roller-anvils C, lying beneath the rail-passage and driven by a shaft, d carryinga beveled pinion, 6 which receives motion from a pinion, f secured to alarger pinion, g driven in turn by a pinion, h". The pinion h receives motion at the proper time, through a clutch, i from a continuously rotating shaft, j. This clutch, which is of. the type represented in Letters Patent granted to Horton July 4, 1882, No. 260,394, or other equivalent construction, is

controlled in its action by the vibrating arma-- ture k of an electro-magnet, P, included in the circuits controlling the magnets V, before alluded to as controlling the action of the several plungers. When the circuit through either magnet V is closed to cause the action Whenever the press-v of the corresponding plunger on the rail, the magnet Z attracts the armature k and disconnects the clutch 2' so that the rail-feeding roll is permitted to stop. The parts remain in this condition until the straightening of the rail interrupts the circuit and causes the retraction of the pressure-plunger, whereupon the magnet Z releases the clutch, and the feed-roll is again set in motion and continues to advance the rail until a bend therein is brought opposite the plungers.

It will be perceived that the above parts constitute, jointly, an automatic arrangement by which the pressure-plunger and the railfeeding devices are caused to operate alternately, the rail stopping whenever an irregularity is brought opposite the plunger, but at no other time. \Vhile I prefer to retain the details illustrated in the drawings, it is manifest that they may be modified in various ways which will suggest themselves to the mechanic.

In introducing a rail into the machine there is danger of its forcing the plungers backward and setting them in action before the end of the rail has reached the distantanvils, so as to be supported thereby. To avoid difficult-y in this regard I propose to complete the circuit which controls the plunger operating mechanism th rough devices connected with the anvils, so thatthe circuit can be completed to start the plungers only when the rail bears upon and depresses the anvils at both sides of the machine. Any suitable arrangement of details may be adopted to this end; but I recommend as the most simple and the best known to me at the present time that shown .in Fig. 17, in which at represents spring conducting-fingers arranged below the respective anvils and forming portions of the circuits embracing the various magnets. Each of the yielding anvil-supports is provided with depending arms n". After a rail is delivered from the machine the anvils rise under the action of the spring 19 and the two fingers at open the circuit. \Vhen a new rail is introduced, it depresses the anvils, causing the arms it! to act upon the springs in and close the circuit.

It will be seen that although the end of the rail may close the contact at the first anvil the circuit remains open until the rail is passed beyond the plunger and seated upon the second anvil. This arrangement effectw ally prevents the operation of the plungers until the rail is properly supported at both sides thereof.

I will now describe the contact devices which operate in connection with the bent portions of the rail to close the electric circuit. I may use in connection with the mechanistns heretofore described contact-fingers of any sui -able character to be operated by the plungers, or I may arrange the plungers, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, as heretofore described, to operate circuit-closing devices. Good re IIO - plunger.

sults are secured by arranging the plnngers to serve as electric conductors and as portions of the circuits embracing the several magnets. Instead of having the circuit closers s, which control the pressure-plungers, mounted on the frame and actuated by the retreating plungers, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and heretofore described, they may be mounted on a bar riding on the rail, so as to be actually directed by the latter. This riding or floating bar D, which is termed a detector-bar, is shown in different forms in S, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

In Fig. 8, showingthe machine with but two pressure-pl ungers, the detector-bar is provided with rolls 0, which ride beneath and against the rail and serve as anvils, their descent being limited by supporting-screws F, as before explained. A roller, 8, carried by an arm, f, pivoted to the detector-bar, bears constantly against th rail opposite the inner end of the adjacent plunger'l). A spring, it", tends constantly to lift the arm fand roller 3. The end of this arm bears upon and controls the circuit-controllingfingers, pivoted to aswinging plate, urged upward by a spring. The device is substantially identical in form and action with that shown in Fig. 2, the finger connecting, according to the direction in which the rail may be crooked,with one or the other of the two contact-points to close the circuits of one or the other of two magnets, to, control ling the opposing plungers. \Vhen an elevation in a rail permits the roller 8 to rise, the finger 8 falls, closing the proper circuit to bring the upper plunger into action against the rail. On the other hand, a depression in the rail lifts the finger s and closes the proper circuit to advance the lower plunger D, which acts through the roller 8 against the rail.

Fig. 15 also represents a detector-bar for controlling two opposing plungers. Like that in Fig. 8, it has two end-sustaining rolls to ride on the rail; but instead of having a single circuit-closing finger for the two opposing plunger-s itis provided with aseparate finger to coutroleach plunger. The conducting fingers is pivoted between its ends to an adj ustablearm, t, on the detectonbar. At one end it carries an insulating contactpoint, e", to close the circuit through the arm t, the detector-bar, and the main frame. The spring 10* holds the conductors normally out of contact. When an elevation in a passing rail encounters one end of the finger s, it closes the circuit at the opposite end. This arrangement controls one The linger s is pivoted to an adjustable arm, t, on the detector-bar. A cond actor-screw, a", forming part of the plungercontrollingcircuit,isfixed to but insulated from the arm t, passing freely through a hole in the linger s. The parts stand normally in the position shown in the drawings. At one end the linger s" is provided with a roller, y", which rides constantly on the rail, holding the opposite end of the linger out of contact with the conductor 00. When the depression in the rail rides beneath the rollcrgf, it ispermitted to fall, and the opposite end of the finger s closes the circuit through the upper end of the couductorscrew :r, the linger s on the main frame calling into action the plunger beneath the rail.

In Figs. 11, 12, 13, and 1-1 I have shown the detector-bar provided with contact-lingers to control four plungers acting against the various sides of the rail, as in Fig. 1. In this form the detector-bar consists of two or more parts screwed together or otherwise united, so that they form jointly a bar of a P1 form in cross section, adapted to fit over the top and sides of the rail, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. .At itstop the bar is provided with pivoted contactfingers sand sfihaving a mode ot'action practically identical with that described in Fig. 15, to control, respectively, the circuits of two of the opposing plungers. At its respective sides the bar is provided with pivoted fingers 8" and s, which control the circuits of the third and fourth plungers. As the details of this bar are clearly shown in the drawings, and may be readily understood in view of the foregoing description, it is deemed unnecessary to describe them more at length herein.

It will be observed that the several forms of the detectorbar above described are but the i'nechanical equivalents of each other, and that they involve substantially the same construction and have practically the same mode of operation, each bar riding upon the rail and carrying the yielding contact-fingers operated by the rail to control the circuits which govern the action of the plunger-s.

When the machine is in action it will frequently happen that the pressure of the plunger'will force the bent portion of the rail away from the electric contact devices, and thus break the circuit. To prevent the possibility of difficulty from this cause, I propose to include each plunger or conductor at its for- \vardcnd in the circuit controlling the action of the plunger. This arrangement may be adopted in various forms and in connection with circuit-closing devices constructed on either of the plans herein represented, the only requirement being that the plunger in contact with the rail shall keep the circuit closed, although the curved portion of the rail may be forced momentarily out of contact with the ordinary circuit-closing devices.

Fig. 16 represents one construction to this end. ln this figure 8 represents the ordinary contact-linger, which encounters the irregularities of the rail to close the circuit which sets the plunger in action. This finger, insulated from the main frame, is connected by a flexible conductor, 2 with the conducting-face of the plunger D, which face is insulated from the remaining portion. The circuit is first closed by the projecting portion of the rail coming in contact with the finger s, completing the circuit through the rail, or otherwise, as preferred. The advancing plunger encountering the rail closes the circuit also through the conductor 2" and the face of the plunger,

so that, although the plunger may force the rail out of contact with the finger s, the-circuit will remain closed until the plunger is retracted by the action ot' its operating mechauism.

I prefer to construct the forward or operative ends of the prcssure-plungers, as represented in Fig. 18, with a roller, 0, to bear on the rail, carried by a pivoted arm, 0, urged downward by a spring, (i The roller, yielding under the slight pressure of the rail, re codes until its end is flush with the end ot the plunger, so that the two present a continuous surface to act on the rail. As it retreats the roller comes in contact with and receives a rigid support from the body of the plunger.

At the right hand of Fig. 9 I have represented the clutch and drivingdevices for imparting motion to the feed-rolls; but as these features are not claimed as of the present invention and may be replaced by any other suitable driving mechanism a detailed description thereof is unnecessary.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is 1. In a rail-straightening machine, and in combination with a pressure-plunger to act upon the rail, the reciprocating pressure-head and its rotary face, each with spiral bearing surfaces, the tubular connecting-screw, the spring, and the transverse pin, whereby the spiral surfaces are maintained constantly in contact.

2. The pressure-plunger D.'in combination with the reciprocating head D and its adjustable facc F, provided with spiral contact surfaces, and a spring-connection, substantially such as described, acting to hold the said spiral surfaces in contact.

3. In arailstraightening machine, the comloination of a reciprocating plunger or pressure device to act upon the rail from one side, anvils to sustain the rail on the opposite side, yielding supports for said an vils, and electric teed-controlling mechanism controlled by said anvils, substantially as described.

4. In a rail-straightening machine, a pressure device to act upon the rail. in combination with yielding rotary rail-sustaining anvils, and rigid supports to arrest the motion 01' the anvils, substantially as described,whereby the rail is permitted to yield bodily and slightly under the action of the pressure device and then supported firmly in position.

5. In an automatic rail-straightening machine, a pressure mechanism to act upon the rail, electromagnetic devices to control the action of the pressure mechanism, an electric circuit embracing the electromagnet, a yielding anvil to sustain the rail, and a circuit-coir trolling device operated by the anvil, said elements combined substantially as described, whereby the pressure device is prevented from acting until the rail bears upon the anvil.

6. In a rail-straightening machine, a pressure device to act on the rail, electromagnetic controlling devices, substantially as described,

to throw the pressure devices into and out of action, an electric circuit including the electro-niagnet, two rail-sustaining anvils at opposite sides of the pressure device, and two normallyopen circuit-closing devices, also lo cated on opposite sides of the pressure device adjacent to the respective anvils and adapted to be closed by the advancing rail, said parts combined substantially as described, whereby the pressure device is prevented from acting except when the rail issustained by both anvils. 7. In a rail straightening machine, a pressure-plunger normally at rest and out of contact with the passing rail, a constantly-reciprocating pressure-head located adjacent to the plunger and normally out of action thereon, an adjustable face or pressure device through which the head acts upon the plunger, mechanism for adjusting said face arranged and adapted for connection with a constantlymoving part of the machine, electromagnetic devices, substantially as described, for controlling the action of the last-named mechanism, an electric circuit embracing the electromagnet, and circuit-controlling devices, substantially as described, adapted to be controlled by the passing rail,whereby an irregularity in the rail is caused through the electric circuit to control the mechanism by which the reciprocating head actuates the pressure-plunger.

8. In a rail straightening machine, a railfeeding roll, a constantly-rotating shaft to drive the same, a connectingclutch whereby the roll may be stopped and started, electro magnetic devices, substantially as shown, cont-rolling the action of said clutch, an electric circuit embracing said magnet, and circuit-controlling devices adapted to beactuated by the passing rail, whereby the irregularities in the rail are caused to stop and start the mechanism by which it is moved.

9. In a rail straightening machine, two pressure-plungers to act on opposite sides of the rail, independent mechanisms to operate said plungers, elect ro'magnetic devices to control the action of the operating mechanisms on the plungers, electric circuits containing the electro magnets, and a circuit-controlling de vice, as s, actuated by one of the plungers, and controlling operating mechanism for both plungcrs, sultstantially as described, whereby the simultaneous movement of the two plungers is prevented.

10. In combination with two pressure plungers and independent mechanism for operating the same, electromagnetic devices controlling the action of the operating devices on the respective plungers, electric circuits embracing the electro-magnets, and a circuitcontrolling device, 0, connected with the operating mechanism of each plunger, whereby the operation of either plunger is caused to open the circuit controlling the oppositeplunger to prevent the action of the latter.

11. In combination with a pressureplunger and its detached operating mechanism, the devices for controlling the action of the latter, consisting of the continuously-revolving shaft M*, gear P, having frictional connection therewith, the toothed plates Q and R, the detent-lever T, the magnet and its armature to hold said detent in its active posi tion, means, sulstantially as described, as roller 7, for restoring the detent to its normal position after its engagement, and connections, substantially as described, from the wheel P to the mechanism for operating the plunger.

12. In a mechanism for controlling the action of a pressure-plunger, the combination of the continuously-revolving shaft M*, gear P, connected therewith by frictional devices, toothed disks Q and R, the detent T, the controllingmagnet V and its armature, and a continuously-revolving wheel, W, provided with rollers r, and the spring U to throw the detent out of engagement.

13. The combination of the continuouslyrevolving shaft M*, wheel P, in frictional engagement therewith, the disks Q and R, springs m, gear-wheel IV. driven by inter mediate gear from the shaft M and provided with roll 7, detent T, spring U, and controlling-magnet V, whereby the wheel P and the toothed disks are permitted to revolve a lim ited distance whenever the roller encounters the projection on lever T, and permitted to continue their rotation to the original position only when the circuit is finally broken by the straightening of the rail.

14. In a railstraightening machine, and in combination with the pressure device and an electro-magnet-controlling mechanism therefor, a circuit embracing the electro-magnet, a detector-bar provided with rolls to ride upon the rail to be straightened, and circuit-controlling fingers carried by said detector-bar and adapted, substantially as described, to open and close the circuit under the influence of the rail.

, 15. In a rail-straightening machine having apressure device to act upon the rail, electromagnet devices to control the operation of said pressure device, an electric circuit embracing the electro-magnet, said circuit connecting with controlling devices to be actuated by the passing rail, and also connected with and controlled by a pressure device or plunger, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand in the presence of two attesting witnesses.

ANDREW JACKSON GUSTIIN. Witnesses:

AUGUs'rUs M. SNOW, M. A. W. BAKEMAN. 

